Job Title
Zoo Operations Manager
Wage/Salary (£/$/€)
£31,500
Closing date for applications:
31-Aug-2024
Collection Name
Northumberland Zoo
Website
Work Address
2, Eshottheugh Farm, Felton, Morpeth NE65 9QH, UK
About the collection
Northumberland Zoo is an up and coming animal collection in the North East of England, with conservation, education and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. With the addition of numerous new animal exhibits and zoo facilities in the past 3 years, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for further development. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are creating a new position and looking for a like-minded team player to join our ever-expanding team. You must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission to be the main hub for conservation, education & sustainability in the North East. We are driven and determined to become a force for change, inspiring visitors to protect and preserve the natural world whilst participating in conservation to reverse the loss of biodiversity worldwide and in our region - Northumberland. Being not-for-profit means that every penny we earn goes straight back into our developments. Plus, with important links to our conservation partners - The Environment Agency, Northumberland Rivers Trust and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, we are paving the way for native species conservation in our area. We have a large outdoor site with a vast array of animal exhibits and gardens. In addition to this - our visitor facilities include outdoor play attractions, a classic tractor museum, snack kiosk, Bear Falls Cafe and Soft Play as well as our zoo-themed gift shop.
Job Description
The Zoo Operations Manager will oversee the smooth operation and upkeep the high standard of the Zoo Visitor areas, ensuring safety measures are followed at all times. The candidate will also be capable of to analysing and helping improve organisational processes within these visitor areas. The candidate must be prepared to be hands-on as Northumberland Zoo is a relatively small team. This is not an entirely office-based role; the Zoo Operations Manager must be comfortable working outdoors and hands on in the gift shop and/or cafe if required.
Main Duties & Job Responsibilities
· Helping the Zoo to promote high morale and great communication, increasing visitor services engagement and maintaining our positive review status
· Carrying out routine walkabouts and audits in all visitor service areas
· Reporting directly to the zoo executives and helping to carry out Northumberland Zoo’s vision as it develops through this next exciting stage.
· Contributing to future planning and strategic development with regards to visitor services and visitor numbers and engagement
· Working to strict budgets and overseeing procurement of retail products that align with the zoos mission
· Active involvement in the planning and delivery of Zoo events and promoting the zoo in line with our mission
· Overseeing and motivating the Cafe Manager and Retail Manager including their development and review
· Overseeing quality and safety measures, analysing and improving organisational processes within visitor services areas
· Assisting in the review and preparation of non-animal related risk assessments and safe working practices
· Ensuring that all relevant legislation is adhered to with regards to food hygiene and health & safety
· Overseeing the presentation of all communal areas with regards to zoo custodian duties; bins, litter-picking and toilets etc
· Being prepared to undertake ad-hoc projects either outdoors or indoors Skills and Experience
· Experienced manager who is able to motivate and inspire a team in a range of disciplines; strong ability to oversee staffing rotas - ensuring that the Zoo is appropriately covered for the varying visitor attraction seasons
· Excellent written and verbal communication
· Good problem solving and planning ability with a good eye for detail
· Degree level or equivalent standard of general education or significant experience in a similar organisation
· Working knowledge of H&S and Food Hygiene guidelines
· Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident interacting with the public and all Zoo departments.
· Must have a positive outlook and be extremely well organised with the ability to manage a busy and varied workload
· Able to remain calm and prioritise effectively in busy situations
Desirable Experience
· Knowledge of utilising sustainable practices, marketing and fundraising would be desirable · Not afraid of technology to assist with updating Zoo App and Website would be desirable – training provided.
General
· Have a strong interest in conserving the biodiversity of the natural world
· Full driver's license and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo
· Be aware of and adhere to Zoo policies at all times
· Cooperate with other Zoo departments
· Attend training courses as required to meet the requirements of the role
· Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills
· Flexible and adaptable
· Directly reporting to the Zoo Exec team
Working Hours
Not provided
Job Type
Full time
The candidate will be expected to work on:
Bank Holidays, Public Holidays
Staff Benefits
Benefits 28 days holiday (including BHs) rising to 33 with service 5 days company sick pay after 1 years service
Staff discount in our cafe and gift shop
Nest Pension scheme
Free Zoo entry whilst you are an employee
+16 additional free Zoo passes per year for family and friends
Cover Letter Required?
Yes
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